A lot of Americans often wondered why a rattlesnake was the main image presented on the Gadsden flag. Initially, Benjamin Franklin described the rattlesnake as a noble and respectable reptile because it never attacks unless provoked and would actually warn its enemy first through its rattling tail that it was present. According to Franklin, Americans should be like rattlesnakes in the sense that it does not initiate violence and once engaged, will never back down from a fight. In the Pennsylvania Journal, Franklin wrote that Americans should be gentle in nature but learn how to avoid suppression or threats.
During the American Revolutionary War in 1775, the ships of American colonies blocked British ships that were supposed to replenish their ground forces in the United States. Together with the newly established naval force, there were also plenty of US Marines to support the water vessels. The initial soldiers came from Philadelphia and brought yellow drums with a rattlesnake on them with the statement, “Don’t Tread On Me”. The new Marines were properly equipped through the guidance of Colonel Christopher Gadsden from South Carolina. His name later on was given to the flag, thereby known as the Gadsden Flag.
The Gadsden Flag was used widely through the years, especially among water vessels. A lot of government rallies also featured the rattlesnake against the yellow background to show discontent with the government. People who used the flag forwarded the message that they will fight oppression and maintain the status of America as a noble and free country.
Labels: custom flag, custom flag maker, custom flag. personalized flag, Gadsden flag
by:
The Flagman
You might have come across yellow Gadsden flags featuring a rattlesnake and the caption, “Don’t Tread On Me”. These are generally present at political gatherings and stages and put on top of tall flagpoles. Many people actually do not know what the symbol and message means. Some might ask how the flag began and what made people continue to use it for political rallies. What does the rattlesnake signify? Why is it yellow? Here are some answers.
The statement, “Don’t Tread on Me”, was actually a famous line used by American Patriots when they were trying to win the independence of the United States from the British regime during the American Revolutionary War. Many of the heroes of the United States asserted that freedom should be given to everyone and the British Rule should not be allowed to hold Americans captive in their own land. The line, “Don’t Tread On Me” was repeated again and again throughout history whenever citizens feel that the government is suppressing their rights.
The rattlesnake image was first used to fight the British Crown way back in 1751. At that time, the British had a unique way of getting rid of their worst criminals. They would send them off to the New World or the old America to establish colonies. According to an article published in the Pennsylvania Gazette, Benjamin Franklin advised that they should also send England a ship full of rattlesnakes. On a “Join or Die” campaign staged by Franklin, the rattlesnake again emerged. The rattlesnake in the poster was divided into 13 parts, representing the 13 colonies.
Labels: custom flag, custom flag maker, custom flag. personalized flag, flagpoles, Gadsden flag
by:
The Flagman
